What To Pack
Planning a wildlife adventure in Tanzania? Our Safari Packing Guide has everything you need to prepare—covering essential clothing, gear, and tips for an unforgettable safari. Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti, Tarangire, or Ruaha, packing smart ensures you’re ready for every moment of your journey.
This expert Safari Packing Guide for Tanzania includes seasonal advice, camera gear suggestions, and health essentials to help you travel light but fully prepared. Make the most of your Tanzanian safari with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind!
Tanzania Packing Guide by Season & Activity
1. General Packing List (Year-Round Essentials)
Travel Documents & Health Essentials
Ensure your safari in Tanzania is seamless with our Safari Packing Guide, covering essential travel documents, health precautions, clothing, and gear for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
✅ Passport & Visa: Ensure at least six months of validity.
✅ Vaccination Certificate: Yellow fever may be required if arriving from an endemic country. Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies.
✅ Malaria Medication & Mosquito Repellent: Tanzania is a malaria-risk area, so protection is essential.
✅ Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, lost baggage, and trip cancellations.
Clothing & Accessories
Our Safari Packing Guide ensures you’re prepared with the right Clothing & Accessories for your Tanzania adventurebreathable fabrics, warm layers, hats, sunglasses, and durable footwear for a comfortable, unforgettable safari.
✅ Breathable Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are best for the heat.
✅ Long-Sleeved Shirts & Trousers : Protect against sunburn and insect bites.
✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes : Essential for safaris, nature walks, and city tours.
✅ Sandals/Flip-Flops : Great for beaches and casual wear.
✅ Hat & Sunglasses : Protects against intense sun exposure.
✅ Light Rain Jacket : Even in the dry season, occasional showers happen.
✅ Swimwear : For Zanzibar, Chole Island, and lake regions.
Gadgets & Extras
Our Safari Packing Guide highlights essential gadgets & extras, from cameras to power banks, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your Tanzania safari with everything you need for a seamless adventure.
✅ Camera & Binoculars : For capturing wildlife and scenery.
✅ Universal Travel Adapter : Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs (UK-style).
✅ Power Bank : Electricity in remote areas can be unreliable.
✅ Dry Bag : Useful for safaris, boat rides, and rainy seasons.
2. Seasonal Packing Guide
Rainy Season (March – May, November – December)
Planning a safari in Tanzania during the rainy season? Our Safari Packing Guide is here to help you prepare for the long rains (March–May) and short rains (November–December). During these months, expect high humidity, heavy downpours, and muddy terrain making the right gear essential for comfort and safety.
This practical Safari Packing Guide includes tips on waterproof clothing, durable footwear, and must-have accessories like dry bags and insect repellent. Whether you’re exploring Serengeti or Selous, pack smart and stay ready for adventure rain or shine.
🔹 Clothing:
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (avoid heavy cotton).
- Waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry.
- Waterproof hiking shoes for mud and slippery surfaces.
- Dry bags to protect electronics.
- Insect repellent & long-sleeved clothes (mosquitoes thrive in this season).
🔹 Travel Tip:
- Some roads in national parks become impassable due to mud. If on safari, opt for a 4×4 vehicle.
- The humidity is high, so pack breathable clothing.
Dry Season (June – October, January – February)
The best time for safaris and outdoor activities in Tanzania is during the dry season, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Days are warm and sunny, but mornings and nights can be surprisingly cold especially in high-altitude areas like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Our Safari Packing Guide helps you prepare for these temperature shifts with smart clothing layers, essential gear, and expert tips to keep you comfortable from sunrise game drives to evening campfires.
🔹 Clothing:
- Light layers for hot days.
- Warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Closed-toe shoes for safaris and hikes.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – The sun is intense.
🔹 Travel Tip:
- If you’re visiting Serengeti or Ngorongoro, bring gloves and a hat – it gets surprisingly cold at night.
- July–October is the best time for the Great Migration safari.
3. Activity-Specific Packing Guide
Safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Selous, etc.)
🌿 What to Pack:
✔️ Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive – avoids attracting tsetse flies).
✔️ Light scarf/bandana (for dust protection).
✔️ Sturdy closed-toe shoes (good for walking safaris).
✔️ Wide-brim hat for sun protection.
✔️ Warm jacket for early morning game drives (it’s cold at dawn).
✔️ Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
🚫 Avoid: Bright colors (scare animals) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies).
Zanzibar, Chole Island & Coastal Areas
🌊 What to Pack:
✔️ Lightweight, breezy clothing (linen/cotton is ideal).
✔️ Swimwear & quick-dry towel.
✔️ Snorkeling gear (optional, but nice to have).
✔️ Water shoes (protection from coral reefs and sea urchins).
✔️ Sarong or cover-up (respectful for local customs).
✔️ Sunglasses & reef-safe sunscreen.
🚫 Avoid: Revealing outfits in towns/villages – dress modestly in Stone Town and local markets.
Mount Kilimanjaro or Hiking in Tanzania
🏔️ What to Pack:
✔️ Thermal base layers (essential for summit night).
✔️ Waterproof jacket & pants (weather can be unpredictable).
✔️ Gloves, beanie, and scarf (it gets extremely cold at high altitudes).
✔️ Hiking boots (broken in – avoid new shoes to prevent blisters).
✔️ Headlamp & extra batteries (for early morning or night hikes).
🚫 Avoid: Cotton clothing (retains moisture, making you colder at high altitudes).
Nature Walks, Wildlife Viewing & Cultural Visits
🎒 What to Pack:
✔️ Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
✔️ Lightweight clothing for daytime.
✔️ Small backpack for water, camera, and essentials.
✔️ A reusable water bottle (filtered water is recommended).
🚫 Avoid: Flashy jewelry – attracts unnecessary attention.
4. Extra Tips for Packing Smart
💼 Luggage:
- Soft-sided duffel bags are better than hard suitcases (easier for safari vehicles and small aircraft).
- Pack light! Most local flights have 15kg (33 lbs) luggage limits, including hand luggage.
💰 Money & Payments:
- Cash is king in rural areas. Carry USD & Tanzanian Shillings.
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but incur extra charges
Not sure what to pack for your Tanzania safari? Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way! From choosing the right clothing for game drives to essential travel gear and health tips, our comprehensive Safari Packing Guide ensures you’re fully prepared for every adventure in Tanzania
Tanzania’s climate varies by region and season, so packing layers and versatile clothing is key. Whether you’re heading for a wildlife safari, beach escape, or mountain trek, this guide will help you be prepared!